Week 14 vs. Denver Broncos
Mike Davis had 15 carries and three receptions for a total of 79 yards against the Vikings before the bye last week. Davis’ value is simple. If Christian McCaffrey starts, Davis goes back to being a high-end handcuff. If McCaffrey ends up inactive again, Davis has RB2 potential and should be active in most leagues. With McCaffrey likely to be back, have another plan ready.
Week 12 at Minnesota Vikings
Mike Davis continues to put up solid numbers in Christian McCaffrey’s absence. Last week, he gained 79 yards on 19 carries and a pair of receptions and scored a touchdown against the Lions. Davis will be at least a solid RB2 in any week where McCaffrey is out.
This week, Davis faces a Vikings defense that ranks 16th in aFPA to opposing running backs this season. There’s an outside chance McCaffrey is activated, so fantasy owners should watch the injury report leading up to the game. Davis was relegated to just six touches when McCaffrey returned a few weeks ago, so Davis has little value with a healthy McCaffrey. Most likely, however, Davis is the starter for at least another week, and is a fringe RB1 option in a pretty good matchup.
Mike Davis struggled last week against a fearsome Tampa Bay run defense, gaining just 32 yards on seven carries as the Panthers fell behind early on. Davis still caught four passes though, helping his totals in PPR formats.
This week, Davis faces a Lions defense that ranks dead last in aFPA to opposing running backs, so it should yield a much better outcome than last week. Expect Carolina to stay a little more competitive in this matchup and for Davis to be back to double-digit touches and solid fantasy numbers. We have him ranked in the low-end RB1 territory.
Week 10 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Davis was relegated to backup duty with the return of Christian McCaffrey last week, getting just one carry. He did catch five balls, however, in what turned into a shootout. He wound up with 37 combined yards.
With McCaffrey nursing a shoulder injury, and expected to miss this week, Davis becomes a low-end RB2 option, despite a terrible matchup against a Buccaneers defense that ranks fourth in aFPA to opposing running backs. He’ll likely get a full workload, giving him a nice floor in most formats, and his ability to catch the ball should serve him well. If McCaffrey is healthy, Davis goes back to being a handcuff on the bench.
Week 9 at Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Davis managed 77 yards against the Falcons last week on 13 carries and a reception. Davis has filled in admirably for the injured Christian McCaffrey, but has been held to single-digit fantasy points in each of the past two weeks. His volume makes him worth considering for as long as McCaffrey is out, but in difficult matchups, he’s a fringe-RB2 option.
This week, McCaffrey may return and the Panthers play the high-octane Chiefs. That means Carolina may need to throw the ball more than they’d like to, making Davis risky. If McCaffrey comes back, Davis returns to simple handcuff status. If McCaffrey is out again, Davis is a fringe RB2 or flex option in most leagues.
Week 8 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Mike Davis really struggled against the Saints last week, gaining just 12 yards on seven carries. He added 24 yards on five receptions, but the fact that he’s averaged 2.56 yards per carry over the past two games is concerning moving forward. Still, with Christian McCaffrey likely shelved for at least another week, Davis should be considered a high-floor option due to workload.
This week, Davis faces the Falcons, who rank 13th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Expect this to be a back-and-forth game between two struggling defenses, which should favor the passing game. Luckily, Davis has been active in the passing game, so he should be worth RB2 numbers or at least one more week while McCaffrey is out.
Week 7 at New Orleans Saints
Mike Davis continues to be productive, albeit unspectacular, in the place of Christian McCaffrey. He had a modest 55 yards on 20 touches, including a pair of receptions last week against the Bears, adding a rushing touchdown – and a costly fumble. Davis is averaging 21.75 touches per game as a starter, giving him a high floor every week for as long as McCaffrey stays shelved.
This week, Davis faces a Saints defense that ranks third in aFPA to opposing running backs so far this year, so the matchup isn’t great. Still, his workload and ability to find the end zone – touchdowns in four straight games – make him a must-start in all league formats. We have him ranked just outside our top-five backs.
Week 6 vs. Chicago Bears
Mike Davis turned in another solid performance last week with 89 yards on the ground and 60 yards and a touchdown receiving against the Falcons. He now has a touchdown in each of his three starts and is averaging 22.3 touches since taking over for Christian McCaffrey. Davis’ 10 targets last week were a welcome sign for fantasy owners in PPR leagues, and he has at least six targets in every game he’s played this year.
This week, Davis faces a Bears defense that ranks 13th in aFPA to opposing running backs this year. Davis has a high floor due to his workload and should be considered a must-start in every game while McCaffrey is shelved. The Bears seem easier to run than to pass against, and they’ve struggled offensively, making this a great opportunity for Davis to shine and put up RB1 totals.
Week 5 at Atlanta Falcons
Mike Davis has a touchdown in each of his two starts since Christian McCaffrey’s injury, and he’s caught 21 balls through three games of action so far this year. He had 111 total yards from scrimmage against the Cardinals last week and recorded 21 touches for the second straight week. With this kind of usage, Davis will be a consistent high-floor fantasy option as long as McCaffrey is out.
The Falcons rank 18th in aFPA to opposing running backs this year, so it’s a pretty good matchup for Davis. Atlanta also just allowed 13 total receptions to the combination of Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones last week, so even if Carolina is trailing, there is potential for Davis to get work in the receiving game. We have him as a fringe RB1 this week in all leagues as a legit handcuff.
Week 4 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Mike Davis filled in admirably for the injured Christian McCaffrey last week, putting up 91 total yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and eight receptions. The receiving work was a good sign, considering he led the team in targets. The team must view him as someone capable of filling McCaffrey’s three-down role, when there was some concern Reggie Bonnafon could get work on passing downs.
This week, expect Davis to continue to get fed against the Cardinals, who rank 11th in the league in aFPA to opposing running backs. It’s possible the Cardinals get up early and the Panthers are in negative game script, but Davis should get enough work to warrant RB2 consideration regardless.
